APM to take over Gothenburg’s Skandia container terminal

The company are looking to invest a total of $115m into the terminal over the next five years with the aim of making the terminal more competitive as a Nordic freight hub.

The deal follows the bid made by APM in September to manage the port for the next 25 years.

It is subject to approval from the Swedish Competition Authorities and provided this is given, the planned transfer of management will take place in the first quarter of 2012.

Martin Poulsen, chief executive of APM Terminals Europe Region said: “Our vision is to continue strengthening Skandia Container Terminal’s position as a key trade gateway in Sweden and an economic generator for the country. We have the scale and expertise to do this – and look forward to working with the Port of Gothenburg to make this a joint success.”

The Port of Gothenburg has been preparing its container terminals for privatisation over the last few years with the aim of attracting increased investment.